Art of South Brunswick High School

The Nine

10/12/2017

Last week, we started a new approach to creating art here at South B. Instead of starting with media, or themes or even Artistic Behaviors, we started with the subject.

Well, I know what you’re thinking. That seems very broad. That’s what I thought too but it turns out it’s not. Actually, there are only nine things you can make art about. You say, Sands, that’s crazy talk. Certainly there are more than nine topics. But I say, we have a list of nine topics. These are subjects that one would make art about (not style or genre or technique) and pretty much any art you want to make can be made under one of the Nine. So before you judge, take a look at the list.

Above: Artwork created using the Architecture Packet (work still in progress).

The Nine:
Architecture
The Figure
Imagination
Landscape
The Portrait
Conceptual
The Object
Nature
Non Representational

So how does this work? We started by only introducing three of the Nine. The first three are Architecture, The Figure and Imagination. Each topic was presented to the students as a packet that contained the objective, questions for consideration, video tutorials for further exploration and examples of artwork. The students selected one packet they wished to pursue. Next, they answered the questions, tried a few tutorials, and planned a final work. We are currently spending this week working on their final piece.

Above: Artwork created using the Figure Packet (work still in progress).

Next week, the students will receive the next three packets; Portrait, Landscape and Conceptual. They will then have the choice to select either one of the new packets or any of the previous packets. Eventually, the students will be introduced to all nine packets. After that, they will be free to select from any of the Nine.

Above: Artwork created using the Imagination Packet (work still in progress).

Below: You can read more about the Nine in the April 2018 issue of SchoolArts Magazine. Click here to read the article.

Also, Texas Sculpture and Ceramics teacher Jean Barnett has done a lot with the Nine in her classes. Check out her blog post to read about how she incorporates the Nine into her Sculpture class.

9 Comments

Carol Haggerty link

10/12/2017 12:55:51 pm

Cool I like it! Will you still introduce and look for artistic behaviors? Or are they implicit in the questions posed at the end of the packets? I ask because I've finally gone full TAB with many classes (after following your lead and years of partial) and I'm over the moon with the students inquiry and work. I love the TAB vocabulary and how the students find it so accessible/relatable. Also - will you have the students complete a reflection (blog post...whatever)?

And finally, are you ok with me copying and using your packets?

Ian

10/12/2017 02:03:21 pm

Im using this more as an intro to TABing for my classes that may not be familiar with choice. I'll continue to introduce AB units as they advance.

As for reflection, we are currently using Seesaw and it's working our great. Click on the Seesaw page above to read more about it.

As for the packets, please feel free to use them.

Robert Driscoll

10/12/2017 03:51:14 pm

Great stuff. You should write a book about choice art! Just kidding, already got it, and have gotten several teachers in my district to also purchase it as well.

I noticed that several of the packets mention completing some tutorials before beginning the project. Do you have links or more explanation as to what these tutorials entail?

CatherinePitek

10/12/2017 07:10:46 pm

This is great , but how do you students develop the skills for figure drawing, perspective, etc.? It looks like they have them already. Is this developed in a foundation class? Or are these lessons you give to Art 1 or Studio 1 students?

ian

10/13/2017 05:32:34 am

There are several different methods for learning technique. Sometimes we do a full class warm up at the start of class. I also have students look at videos online to learn new skills. I also work one on one students to review skills as needed.

ian

10/13/2017 05:29:04 am

Thanks! Glad you like the book. As for tutorials, there are a few on the Units page on this website. However, I let the students search and find their own because everyone has different ways they like to learn. One tutorial might be great for me but not for someone else.

ian

10/13/2017 05:30:01 am

see comment below

Jessica Frisco

10/14/2017 08:38:54 am

These are great, Ian.

Jennifer Girard

10/3/2018 06:00:40 am

You inspire me so much Ian! I have your book, and really appreciate your willingness to share your ideas, resources, presentations, and packets! I currently teach middle school, and relate so much to the "ugh" feeling of DBAE projects like I used to do. Super open choices have not satisfied me at the MS level, nor have specific projects. I'm going to try something like "The Nine" to help open my students up to choices, while still not being in total chaos! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

Art of South B

This blog contains the work of Visual Artists, Computer Graphic Designers, Animators, and Street Artists from South Brunswick High School, NC

Click Here to Read Last Month's SchoolArts Article, Tab Teaching is a Bag of Chips!

The Nine

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